While winter brings along delicious meals like hearty soups and casseroles, I’ve been craving something fresher. Summer salads, although usually saved for warmer months are a really quick and easy way to lighten up your meals when it’s chilly. This week, we made a Quinoa Israeli Salad — a chilled and healthy alternative for a dinner … Continue reading
Ever since founding Rookie Chef in 2013, it’s been a goal of ours to talk with and learn from the veterans in the business — the actual chefs and professionals who make the culinary world their life. In our inaugural interview, we spoke with Joshua M. Smith — the owner of SATO, a modern Japanese restaurant … Continue reading
There’s nothing like celebrating the holidays at home. With living in New York City and most of our family in Buffalo, short trips home to be with family are my favorite thing. I can’t get enough of cooking together in a busy kitchen — chopping, boiling, slicing, broiling, baking, stirring and more. This Christmas, my … Continue reading
After a long day at the beach, while on our inaugural Rookie Chef Road Trip to Cape Cod, the foodie team and I were very excited about a nice sit down dinner in Chatham. Less than a 30 minute drive a couple towns over, we walked the quaint streets of Chatham ahead of dinner, stopping … Continue reading
This year was an exciting one for us at Rookie Chef. New eats, new treats and our first Rookie Chef Summer Trip, this year to Cape Cod — a spot we had yet to venture. The seafood, sunshine and beach were all appealing and we couldn’t wait to share our adventure with you. Staying in … Continue reading
If there’s one thing to know about Rookie Chef — we know how to brunch. Known as the “Little Poland” of the borough, Greenpoint boasts a solid restaurant scene with stellar brunch offerings. This week’s stop was around the corner in Greenpoint, Brooklyn at Anella. Labeled a “New American” restaurant, Anella’s current menu features some favorites … Continue reading
Sometimes some of the best places to grab a quick bite when hunger strikes are random spots you happen to wander into. Sips & Bites in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is just that type of place. A couple months back, the Rookie Chef crew spotted S&B down the block and decided to give it a try. The … Continue reading
This recipe might be the most infamous family dish in the history of Przybyla family cooking. My Dad (Chef Ken) was invited to compete in the National Buffalo Wing Fest for the best amateur wing sauce for five years in a row, starting with the inaugural festival in 2002. This was our family’s first real … Continue reading
We might be biased, but this stuffed pepper recipe from our Dad might literally be the best summer dish in the entire world. The easiest way to serve and cook these is to prep the peppers and stuff the day before, leave in the refrigerator (covered in plastic wrap) and then take them out of the … Continue reading
Have we skipped spring completely here in New York City? The beautiful weather this weekend seems to have erased the memories of 30 degree chilled winter days and skipped ahead to 80 degrees and sunny. We couldn’t be happier. Along with one of the first really nice weekends here in the Big Apple, comes all … Continue reading
There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal. With as crazy as my work schedule has been, that small luxury of cooking a great dinner has been hard to come by recently. But last night was different. A rare night off had me planning for dinner since around lunchtime. Making my grocery list, since I was clearly … Continue reading
When work allows me to travel, I can’t help but get excited for what a new city (and new cuisines) might bring to my trip. A big fan of Southern food, we couldn’t wait to try some of the best that Louisiana has to offer in New Orleans. Staying near the French Quarter, every street … Continue reading
Living 400 miles away from my partner in crime at Rookie Chef is not ideal. But when my sister Kristin and I are in the same city — most recently New York City — we make it count. A quick two day visit called for a big night out in Manhattan, checking out one of … Continue reading
We celebrated our 1 year anniversary at Rookie Chef after launching on Dec. 30th in 2013 and we couldn’t have been happier. Our cooking, traveling, and exploring has been incredible to share with you and can’t wait to see what 2015 brings. Thank you for coming along on this delicious adventure. To close out 2014 … Continue reading
Not by accident, I’ve made it a goal of mine (and Rookie Chef) to do extensive research on weekend brunch spots in the NYC area. No matter the neighborhood, the borough, the block, I am always blown away by how many amazing spots are here. This week’s hidden gem, Esme in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The modern … Continue reading
When I first heard about a “Mozzarella Bar” in NYC, I couldn’t ask for directions fast enough. I wouldn’t saw my family is made up of artisanal cheese experts, but more like really big artisanal cheese fans, willing to learn (and taste) anything to grow our appreciation for the craft. Spending a few hours browsing and getting lost … Continue reading
Brunch time is Brooklyn is where it’s at on the weekends. Wandering through Williamsburg after hitting up the Brooklyn Brewery for an early afternoon tour, my family and I stumbled upon Sweet Chick. A fantastic find, we were as much looking to get out of the pouring rain as we were pumped about finding a … Continue reading
It’s not often that I hit the streets of NYC for a night out consuming alcoholic beverages with good friends. But Halloween was a special occasion this year and getting all dressed up (with no work commitments the following day), I was well prepared to party. Modestly. Waking up the next morning, feeling a little … Continue reading
Finally all settled into my new apartment, I couldn’t wait to get in the kitchen and back to my normal routine of cooking up a storm. With the weather finally taking a turn for the chilly, it’s time to start baking. Although I love a fresh batch of cookies in the summer, it’s almost impossible … Continue reading
While most correlate Spring with new beginnings and changes, for me it’s taking place in the Fall. With the start of October comes a new apartment and new neighborhood to explore and I go on my second year living here in the city that never sleeps. Greenpoint, located in northern Brooklyn will be where I … Continue reading
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